National Planning Policy Framework

Robert Buckland Excerpts

Tuesday 27th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark]

My hon. Friend knows that it is the Government’s intention to revoke the regional strategies. The courts have determined that they are in place and we are engaged in a voluntary strategic environmental assessment, which will be completed shortly, but the Government’s intention to get rid of these unwanted strategies is capable of being a material consideration.

[Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con)]

I welcome references to a more localist approach when it comes to five-year land supply. Does that mean that authorities such as mine in Swindon will be able to argue that five-year land supply should take into account economic realities such as a slowdown in house building, rather than the prescriptive and rigid approach that is taken by far too many planning inspectors?

[Greg Clark]

Yes. Economic conditions vary from time to time and it is reasonable for local authorities to take them into account.